FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools announces Ray Garcia-Morales's resignation as Chief Sealth IHS principal

CS Parent February 19, 2025 (1:31 pm)

Good! I hope he gets the help he needs, but that school needs strong leadership and someone the kids, parents and staff can look to for that direction.

Lisab February 19, 2025 (2:39 pm)

Good news!

West Seattle Resident February 19, 2025 (1:52 pm)

Hoping the victim and her daughter are safe, far away from him. Next time she won’t be so lucky. He should be charged with abusing the family dog.

Alki resident February 19, 2025 (2:38 pm)

I’m glad to see him go. Time for these kids to have someone in place that everyone can trust and go to safely. We adored our principal at Sealth growing up.

Scarlett February 19, 2025 (4:13 pm)

Is your comment really necesary? He had a lapse in judgment, and resigned as he knew it was the right thing to do. It’s done, fait accompli.
- Lauren February 19, 2025 (4:43 pm)
  
  From WSB’s coverage…. I’d call this more than a “lapse in judgement”: “ At the listed location of the crash, Suspect 1 opened the passenger side door, Suspect 1 told Victim “do you wanna die”, then Suspect 1 grabbed and pulled the steering wheel causing the Toyota to overturn. Victim also stated that Suspect 1 has abused animals in the past.”
- Everett February 19, 2025 (5:14 pm)
  
  Well stated, Scarlett. If only we could all be as perfect and flawless as our neighbor in Alki. Some people are so eager to see others fall and disgraced.I’m not part of the CSIHS community, but it sounded like Ray was a great principal. Too bad he’s also human. I wish him and his family the best.
  - CSIHS Parent February 19, 2025 (7:07 pm)
    
    You would be singing a different tune if he had killed someone. Or if he were an off duty police officer. This was clearly more than a one time lapse in judgment. In his chosen profession he should be walking a straight line at all times. He is not the victim here.
    - Another CSIHS parent February 21, 2025 (8:06 am)
      
      100% percent agree. How many pro RMG commenters currently have kids at Sealth, I wonder.

Sealth Neighbor February 19, 2025 (4:19 pm)

During his time at Sealth Ray Morales was a reliable and concerned Principal and Partner to our neighborhood. He really cared about the school and all of the kids. He was always willing to make himself available even on weekends.I know I speak for many when I say we are saddened by this turn of events. I hope Ray and his family are able to move forward with healing and the dignity they all deserve.

Sealth staff February 23, 2025 (9:21 am)

Sealth staff here: He was not beloved, he isolated many women staff into to feeling like they had no voice as they attempted to advocate for kids. Many staff were not remotely surprised by this event and many are not sad to see him go He did not treat women respectfully. He did not care about students rights to feelings of safety, esp our LGBTQ students. He was brought complaints about many SPED safety concerns that he wholly ignored despite human rights violations. But sure, if you coach at sealth you probably like him ;)

Seattle Native February 19, 2025 (4:51 pm)

Ray wishing you the best as you move forward. I know your family and friends got you through this. Peace and love

west seattle resident February 19, 2025 (6:47 pm)

Driving while under the influence and domestic violence are usually not lapses of judgment; according to the passenger who was with him the night of the accident, he had been abusive before, to her, her daughter and their pet dog, and she was afraid of him that night

.

Ray Garcia-Morales who was the principal at Chief Sealth International High School had plenty of time, opportunities and resources to deal with whatever job related stresses he might have been experiencing.There is no excuse or justification for driving while under the influence. Endangering the lives of others on the road, along with the passenger’s and his own.His choices and actions are a terrible example to the students, including his own children.Ray Garcia-Morales (and the school administrators) is well aware of the substance use and substance selling/supplying among teenagers at the high school and yet he appeared to do very little to address the problem. Now his being arrested while driving under the influence explains a lot about his casual attitude regarding alcohol and weed use.Garcia-Morales is not liked by all the students and parents. There were multiple times when I contacted him directly about very concerning issues and he never responded or when he did, his response didn’t come across as though he had a genuine interest to resolve it or that he was concerned, or he would simply reply saying, “received”, like he was typing out an automated reply. There are several students who were deeply upset by how he handled sexual harassment, abuse and violence that was taking place at the school, after the football team’s extremely sexually inappropriate group chat was exposed, in October 2023 – it was reported on by various media outlets. Many LGBTQ students felt their concerns were not being heard in regards to bullying and intimidation also.The school administrators and whoever takes over as the new principal must do more to educate and inform the students on how to deal with their emotions, how to cope with stress as well as the negative effects and consequences of all forms of substance use.

Sealth Teacher February 20, 2025 (11:03 am)

I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Ray Morales. When I was in high school, the principal was someone you never wanted to be associated with, Ray was completely different. It was not uncommon to see Ray walking with students in the hallway speaking Spanish, these students had a very different experience than I, because Ray humanized our students. As one of the few Black teachers at Chief Sealth, it was important for me to feel comfortable being myself, with Ray as a leader, this was ALWAYS the case. When I got displaced, Ray did EVERYTHING in his power to keep me in the school, not because he had to , but because he valued me and understands the significance of having our staff reflect the student body. Final anecdote. We were in a district mandated training (much of this training was mundane and useless) and many of the teachers/staff were on their laptops. The next part of the training was a panel of SPS students talking about their experiences in school and they were giving suggestions for teachers to improve. Many teachers (me included) were still on our laptops. Ray stopped the video and said, “Hey y’all this matters. These are our students. Please put your laptops away and pay attention.” Based on the posts I have read, it sounds like some of us prefer a principal that centers discipline, I prefer one that centers students. There is this notion that our lowest moments should be the one that define us, I am fighting for a world where that isn’t true.

Realist February 20, 2025 (2:23 pm)

Glad you liked him. But WS residents description is most accurate.
CS parents February 20, 2025 (2:41 pm)

Interesting. You as a teacher do not find your statement alarming? “We were in a District Mandated Training”

“We were in a district mandated training (much of this training was mundane and useless) and many of the teachers/staff were on their laptops. The next part of the training was a panel of SPS students talking about their experiences in school and they were giving suggestions for teachers to improve. Many teachers (me included) were still on our laptops.”

Problematic behavior by teachers. Seriously see why our students are struggling. Professional competent teachers should not have to be told to put away their devices and provide their full attention in a mandated training, let alone give the youth the respect they deserve to be heard.

How can you confidently state in your next line that you prefer a principal that centers students, when you as a teacher showed up to a District Mandated Training not centering students’ space to speak on their experiences? Modeling discipline is vital in leadership roles. Our children are suffering because we have poor leadership all the way around. He wasn’t centering the students that night. How could he Center the students when he clearly is not centering his own family. Shameful that there are people that think it is ok to dismiss his abusive behavior that night. Victim and her daughter say this is not the first time. Driving under the influence should never be overlooked. All signs that the man is struggling.

west seattle resident February 20, 2025 (1:53 pm)

In the previous comment, I didn’t say anything about having a preference for a “principal who centers discipline”, I mentioned educating and informing students —“The school administrators and whoever takes over as the new principal must do more to educate and inform the students on how to deal with their emotions, how to cope with stress as well as the negative effects and consequences of all forms of substance use”Illegal substance use by students and other illegal. harmful and inappropriate activities, such as sexual harassment and general violence and bullying, are related to discipline in the school environment and as most here probably understand, Chief Sealth International High School has disciplinary procedures that they follow. They need to do more in terms of prevention and encouraging teenagers not to engage in those activities.Every adult has the responsibility to work through their lowest moments and they can look for support in that but if they are individuals who work in positions of authority, especially working with children, then they must be fully aware of the potential consequences of their decisions, choices and actions.

anonymous February 20, 2025 (2:10 pm)

I worked with Ray Morales for decades. At all times, he moved with respect, humility, and an ethic of service to the community. I know many students, families, and staff who have shared that Ray’s support positively changed their life trajectory. I wish the best for Ray and his family as they move through this painful moment.

S February 20, 2025 (6:53 pm)

Worked with Ray for years and found him to be an amazing leader and colleague. Wishing him and his family peace and healing moving forward.

Community Member February 20, 2025 (9:46 pm)

Ray Morales is Seattle home grown, amongst a small group of Chicano students at Garfield HS, he graduated in the mid 90’s. He went to Seattle Central Community College and later graduated from the University of Washington. He ascended to attain his Master’s Degree from Columbia in New York, no small accomplishment. Who here can say that. He returned to Seattle after working with students in difficult circumstances in NY, no small feat. He continues to work hard to become an Assistant Principal and finally Principal at Chief Stealth, no small feat. These accomplishments came at a significant cost after many sacrifices. Ray has overcome obstacles and barriers and committed his life to serve his community in the best way someone can, being a steward and protector for our youth. He’s made a difficult decision to resign from a position he has worked his life to attain. That takes courage. A decision I’m sure was done, centering the young people he worked for, his family and community. It shows he wants to move as quickly as possible towards healing. I know he’ll become the best version of himself that he can be, that’s what he’s been working towards for the entirety of his life. That’s who he is.

sps staff February 20, 2025 (10:18 pm)

Sending love to his family and him who must deal with this private hardship in such a public manner. They deserve dignity. Anonymous self righteous keyboard warriors cannot undo the years of positive impact his family and he have had on the community.

CS Alumni February 20, 2025 (11:11 pm)

There sure is a LOT of judgement from people who know nothing about Mr. Morales or the impact that he made on the Chief Sealth community. It’s very easy to feed off of hearsay and media, but I see zero charges here. No one is perfect and these are not light accusations, but let they without sin cast the first stones..Mr. Morales brought a lot of pride back to being a Seahawk student and Alumni. Most of you have never even stepped foot into the school, including some of these ‘perfect parents’, so you have no idea about the true impact that Mr. Morales made. He led with his heart and not his fist. He gave students second chances when they needed it most. He put students first and did his absolute best to rebuild the image and stature of Sealth. He brought peace and balance to the rivalry of the Huling Bowl, which always brought a high level of rowdiness, especially from our West Seattle neighbors from the North.. Football was not the only sport that Mr. Morales found important. He was present and showed support to all sports, even in the rain and on the road! How amazing it felt to have our school principal present at sports games that not many attended or supported!Mr. Morales supported many small businesses for school events and brought the community together in honor of the students. You cannot replace that. My family and I wish Mr. Morales and his family peace and healing, and a chance to hopefully bring this kind of impact to students and Alumni again in the future.

student February 21, 2025 (7:32 am)

Great for the football team. He did not spend his time making all student groups feel seen and heard. As a Queer student I did not feel the time and energy invested in making our school environment safe for all.
Chief Sealth 94 February 21, 2025 (8:00 am)

What hearsay? Since when is a police report hearsay. Most Domestic Violence Victims do not press charges out of fear. Victim stated in spd report she is afraid of him. WA could still press charges based on victim”s video and statements made by victim and her daughter. There is a process.
- WS Resident since 67 February 21, 2025 (11:43 pm)
  
  Do you understand that a police report per RCW in Washington state is actually hearsay? I stumbled on this thread and did other reading about this accident. To think that this persons life was turned upside down by a report that his wife gave after leaving the scene is sickening. Sounds like he was drinking, decided not to drive. Who knows what happened in that car but both should be interviewed again.

Educator February 20, 2025 (11:53 pm)

Mr. Morales is a dedicated and highly effective school principal who has earned his position through hard work and a genuine commitment to his students and their families. He possesses a rare ability to build strong, trusting relationships with those around him, fostering an environment where children and their families feel comfortable confiding in him.

I have personally witnessed the lasting impact of Mr. Morales’s leadership on numerous occasions. In various public settings throughout Seattle – from baseball games to grocery stores – former students have approached him, eager to express their gratitude for his guidance and support. These spontaneous encounters are a powerful testament to the positive relationships he cultivates within the community.Mr. Morales is known for his unwavering advocacy for children, particularly those whose voices often go unheard. He champions their needs and works tirelessly to ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. His dedication and compassion make him an invaluable asset to any school and community.

Community Member February 21, 2025 (9:26 am)

Ray Morales is Seattle home grown, amongst a small group of Chicano students at Garfield HS, he graduated in the mid 90’s. He went to Seattle Central Community College and later graduated from the University of Washington. He ascended to attain his Master’s Degree from Columbia in New York, no small accomplishment. Who here can say that. He returned to Seattle after working with students in difficult circumstances in NY, no small feat. He continues to work hard to become an Assistant Principal and finally Principal at Chief Stealth, no small feat. These accomplishments came at a significant cost after many sacrifices. Ray has overcome obstacles and barriers and committed his life to serve his community in the best way someone can, being a steward and protector for our youth. He’s made a difficult decision to resign from a position he has worked his life to attain. That takes courage. A decision I’m sure was done, centering the young people he worked for, his family and community. It shows he wants to move as quickly as possible towards healing. I know he’ll become the best version of himself that he can be, that’s what he’s been working towards for the entirety of his life. That’s who he is.

Parent February 21, 2025 (10:11 am)

It’s unfortunate that such a private matter is playing out in public view. Irrelevant and hurtful comments only serve to prolong the pain for the entire family. I hope that all involved are able to move on from this with as little pain and suffering as possible. Especially the children. The court of public opinion can be swift and harsh. There have been no charges filed in this case, so I’d like to see how it plays out before making any observations about this situation.In regards to Mr. Morales, I can honestly say that this is so far out of character for the individual I know and worked with as a parent. His dedication and involvement on the ground was an example of how the job was supposed to be done. Of course you can’t please all. There seems to be no shortage of folks willing to come to speak to the shortcomings of someone they don’t know. I’m here to say that my experience with that man as a school leader and collaborator was nothing but positive. He was the kind of leader you wanted to support. The kids and community are losing a real advocate.Praying for healing for all involved.

Former CSHS student February 21, 2025 (10:24 am)

Mr Morales has always been super committed to the CSHS community and did a great job during his tenure as a principal. All the people here who have commented here and trash his reputation, it is obvious that they don’t know him at all or his work at Chief Sealth. I like to ask other readers to pause for a minute and give Mr Morales a break. He was a great principal, and a good human being. Anything happening in his personal life is none of anybody’s business.

Educator February 21, 2025 (11:07 am)

I have been an educator for nearly 3 decades. I have worked and partnered with many school leaders in a variety of capacities. Principal Morales is in my top two. I do not expect to agree with my admin on everything; however what I do expect if for them to have a clear vision and plan for implementation. Principal Morales had a clear vision for putting students first. His vision highlighted building relationships and held himself to the same standard. His vision focused on student growth and pushing staff to be instructional leaders. He vision highlighted partnering with community and being a good neighbor.I am a better educator having worked with him. I wish him and his family healing, growth and peace.

resident of west Seattle February 21, 2025 (11:40 am)

“Irrelevant and hurtful comments” — “Anything happening in his personal life is none of anybody’s business”

The Ray Garcia-Morales fan club members are out here in full force, so anyone who says anything that isn’t praising him are making irrelevant and hurtful comments?

He was employed as the high school principal, his choices, decisions and actions are the business of the students and parents because he was in a position of authority — his drinking and abusive behavior is extremely concerning.

Ray Garcia-Morales did not show the same amount of support or dedication to the students who were targeted by the Chief Sealth International High School football team in their sexually violent group chat that was exposed (October 2023, you can find details online) — and that includes many LGBTQ students who also were not being listened to in regards to them being bullied, harassed and intimidated by other students.

I guess he was too busy attending all those school sporting events, he didn’t have time to respond to e-mails from parents like myself who were trying to get him to deal with the substance use and substance selling among students at the school???

West Seattle Neighbor February 21, 2025 (1:07 pm)

Abusive behavior? Where are the facts? I don’t know any of these parties but to continue with a narrative that was given by a person who left the scene. I’m not sure that is trustworthy. And to say out of fear, if you watch the video, I don’t see anyone “RUNNING” away. -Not a fan club member, just a human.

resident of west Seattle February 21, 2025 (12:13 pm)

People here need to try and see this from the position of the passenger, the one who said she was afraid of him, that he had been abusive before, to her, her daughter and their dog — the actual victims.Abusers and people with alcohol use problems usually don’t show that side of themselves to everyone they interact with, just because some individuals had positive, non-violent, non-abusive experiences with him, while he wasn’t under the influence, does not erase the words of what the passenger (his wife) stated in the police report.He did not advocate for all students, if you read what others have written in the comments, you’ll see that. Many felt unheard and ignored by him. Ray Garcia-Morales did not do enough to get support for multiple teenage students who had substance use dependency and addiction.He barely did a thing to address the problem of students selling substances to other students at the school. Lots of cases where students were/are being moved by their parents to online school or to a different high school altogether because their real concerns were being ignored by him, the principal. Ray Garcia-Morales had already said he was leaving Chief Sealth International High School this year, it was during a school assembly that he made the announcement, him handing in his resignation most likely wasn’t as difficult as some here seem to believe.

Educator February 21, 2025 (1:31 pm)

People too often forget that school leaders are people too. They are not invincible or exempt from the challenges that others face. What is different is how little grace they are given when they make a mistake. As an educator, I do not believe that mistakes define a person, but instead provide opportunities for growth, reflection and proceeding in a different direction. I tell this to my students all the time. Having worked alongside Ray for years, I know that he believes this too. This account of what happened DOES NOT DEFINE Ray.What does define him? Centering students in every decision I ever have seen him make. Devoting himself to a community. Mentoring other educators. Being a school leader that staff knew they could count on. Working his way to the principalship (not an easy feat). Being in the hallways, connecting with kids, leading his building “on the ground” not in an office. The list could go on and on. Someone said the “RGM fan club is out in force” and, yes, you are right. Because we are here to support our friend, colleague, mentor, through this. Because we actually KNOW Ray, and aren’t judging him based on a story that the media outlets have decided to run with.Finally, if you’re thinking about replying to this post with something negative I just ask you to consider what your evidence is, because my evidence is countless examples from my years of working alongside and learning from Ray. Years I will be forever grateful for.

SealthStaff February 21, 2025 (1:33 pm)

As a staff member, I am deeply saddened by this news. Compared to other principals I’ve worked with, Ray Morales was always available, deeply committed to student success, and truly prioritized the safety and well-being of our school community. He led with professionalism, respect, and a strong presence in the hallways, ensuring students felt seen and supported.Just a few weeks ago, he attended a training on ICE and immigration, bringing his young daughter along, she was showering him with hugs the whole time. No other principal was there, yet he stayed the entire time, even though it ran late because he wanted to ensure safety for our families facing these challenges. His dedication went beyond the school day and he showed up when it mattered most.For those quick to point fingers at him regarding substance use among students, I have to ask, do you truly understand the work that has gone into addressing these issues? The countless meetings, interventions, and efforts made to support students? Probably not, because most people criticizing haven’t stepped foot inside the school for more than five minutes. The reality is that substance use among teenagers is a systemic issue and one that cannot fall solely on a principal to fix, especially when there is little reinforcement from the system, law enforcement, or even parents. Instead of placing blame on one person, perhaps we should take a harder look at the larger failures at play.While I don’t know the full circumstances and truthfully nobody does (so the judgmental comments and accusations are so wild and out of pocket) I do know that he made a meaningful impact on our students, staff, and families. His leadership will be greatly missed.

S February 21, 2025 (4:08 pm)

Ok it’s hard to stand by and watch people say that Ray didn’t care about the LGBTQ community. As a queer and trans educator who worked with him closely, I always felt seen and valued by him. He was always respectful, proactive, and sincerely open to learning. He intentionally worked to bring in staff training related to supporting LGBTQ students and partnered with a community org (UTOPIA) to bring more queer and trans supports to campus. I’m so sorry to see that not all queer students felt supported on campus- all students deserve to be supported and valued. AND, changing school culture is VERY hard work. I know Ray was putting that work in even if there was still a ways to go, and I know he is going to do the same when it comes to healing and repairing this painful part of his personal and family life.

Educator February 21, 2025 (5:07 pm)

Ray Morales is a person who is deeply committed to his family, community, and friends. I am saddened by the current situation (which no one truly knows except for those who were present). Ray has always been a strong advocate for youth. As a former educator at Chief Sealth, I know how important it is to have a leader like Ray. I know that he will be missed by the teachers, staff, students, and families.

resident of West Seattle February 21, 2025 (7:53 pm)

Ray Garcia-Morales is not the victim in this. If he was a responsible adult then he would have considered taking a cab, Lyft or Uber home instead of putting himself, the passenger and others on the road in danger. The passenger is the victim — she is the one who described Morales’ abusive behavior in the official police report. All the media outlets who reported this case, including the West Seattle Blog, took the information that they shared from the police report where the victim, the passenger, made her statements. It’s not just a “story that media outlets decided to run with”

How a person conducts themselves in their work life and in professional settings is often very different to how they interact with friends and family, including their spouses/partner, and especially if they are someone who is abusive or has anger control issues along with regular substance use.It’s very disturbing to see how many people are willing to so quickly come to the defense of someone who has allegations of abuse against him, not only from the passenger but also her teenage daughter. As well as abusive treatment of a pet. As far as I know no one is stopping Ray Garcia-Morales from telling his side of what happened the night the car rolled over. He is fully capable of taking accountability for his choices, decisions and actions.

Yes, I am aware of work that goes on in the school related to substance use and substance selling, I know it’s not only the principal’s responsibility to deal with it, I’m not quick to point the finger and I have stepped foot in Chief Sealth International High School for more than five minutes. So yes, I’m in a family who has been directly impacted by those serious, systemic, ongoing issues.

Not once did I get the impression that Ray Garcia-Morales had any real empathy or sympathy or concern in the situation that has been affecting my family. The only ones who I have seen show a genuine interest to make things better are the teachers.

Nate February 22, 2025 (2:29 pm)

Sounds like you have personal reasons to push the worst narrative of him.

Nate February 22, 2025 (2:25 pm)

Please dont believe everything you read, Ray is not abusive to his wife or dog and has done so much good for the community its sad this miss-information came out. None of us are perfect but the mistakes we make dont null and void the great things we have done. Not everyone’s here’s lives here in the comments have been perfect like apparently a few here… But God forbid false information came out about you and the community ran with it all as truth. Ray is a great friend of mine and has a great wife and children and this family has always been one many of us look to model …I hope this strong family stays together and the babies have both parents together happy and thriving as they have been for years. But Ray has integrity and has been a blessing to the youth he has came in contact with. Remember that as you type all the negative. If he has made any mistakes they will be addressed Im sure.. Im just also sure the media has not been kind or accurate. Just makes me sick for him to be portrayed as an abuser. He is far from that.

resident of West Seattle February 23, 2025 (12:00 pm)

Nate wrote: “Sounds like you have personal reasons to push the worst narrative of him”It’s not about a narrative.

Everyone here has been allowed to share their opinions based on their personal experiences with their friend Ray, their colleague, their child’s principal, their principal.

As far as I understand parents of students should be able to comment here regardless of if it’s to praise Ray Garcia-Morales or not. Just as there are students who never felt seen, heard or supported by him while he was principal at Chief Sealth International High School.

Sounds like you and the others who are defending Ray Garcia-Morales have personal reasons for choosing to brush aside what the passenger said to Seattle Police about that night.

None of this would be public if Ray Garcia-Morales hadn’t decided to drive while under the influence and interact with the passenger in the way she said he did, calling her “b*tch”, asking her “do you want to die?”, him causing the car to flip over and her stating that she began recording on her phone because she was afraid of him.

All the local media outlets including West Seattle Blog here, have described what was stated by the passenger (the victim) in the official police report. You and others in the comments have made it obvious that you don’t believe what the passenger said about Ray Garcia-Morales and his abusive behavior towards her, their daughter and their pet.

It’s also very concerning the way many supporters of Garcia-Morales appear to be glossing over the part about him being under the influence while driving.